Run Forest Run!

For anyone out there who thinks they're not good enough, talented enough, fit enough or whatever-enough to do something, STOP! On Sunday I took part in my not good enough and completed my very first half marathon at the Milton Keynes festival of running.

You may be forgiven for being a little bit confused here, especially as I have previously written about completing a marathon walk, but let me tell you, the half marathon was SO much harder!

Confused? Well let me explain.

Despite the marathon walk being twice the distance, the challenge this time wasn't so much the number of miles, but more the running. Ironic, don't you think? I've said this before, and I'll say it again, when it comes to sport I'm no athlete, but you can't knock me for trying my best. Running, however was always something I've always told myself I'm not good at despite taking part in the Race for Life - twice!

I took the plunge though after much persuading from some friends and signed up before I gave myself too much time to think about it. Training began, and I'll admit, I could have put more effort into it, but up until the day of the race, I think I was very much in denial. Despite two of my friends dropping out, I decided I was still going to go ahead with it, mainly because I was fundraising for Macmillan and for anyone who knows someone that has suffered with cancer, in the big scheme of things, a 13.1 mile run is nothing in comparison.

On the day I set myself 4 hours to complete it but I said it would be amazing if I complete it in 3.5 hours. The first 4 miles were done in record time at only 57 minutes but by the time I reached mile 7 tears were building up knowing I still had another 6 to go. From then on I struggled despite the support from the marshals, onlookers and my fellow runners. I persevered though, even if I did have to walked a part of the route and I am really pleased to say I completed it in 3 hours, 35 minutes and 7 seconds! I was unbelievably proud of myself. I wasn't the fastest, but I did it and that's what matters.

I wouldn't have been able to do it without the copious amount of support that I received from my friends and family. From all of the lovely messages and generous donations, I really feel blessed and overwhelmed and it's made this experience so much easier to get through. Despite the difficulties I faced during the run, I have proven to myself that you really can do anything you put your mind to, so if you're reading this with doubt in your mind, no matter how big or small, believe and have trust in yourself, because if I can do it, anyone can!


Click here to see how much I have managed to raise!